Reliant Scimitar GTC Convertible

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Popularised by Princess Anne in the 1970s (she owned at least eight, all with the registration number 1420 H, and was famously caught speeding in one of them), the Reliant Scimitar GTE remains one of the most practical classics that money can buy.

Clothed in a handsome glassfibre body and powered by the trusty Ford 3-litre V6 engine and box, this sporting estate offers a huge amount of style and versatility for very little money.

Launched as the SE5 in 1968, the car was replaced by the SE5A in September 1972 which had a revised interior fascia, slightly more powerful engine and a more modern gearbox. In 1976 this was in turn replaced by the longer, wider and more luxurious SE6. In 1980 the final version, the SE6B came out, now with better brakes and suspension and a new Ford Cologne 2.8-litre V6 engine.

For the first time a convertible version was also offered, the GTC. From the B post back, all the panels were new and extra bracing was added, while the roll hoop from the GTE was retained. In combination with the separate chassis, this additional stiffening meant the GTC did not suffer from the scuttle shake that often plagues monocoque convertibles.

A prototype car was produced in 1978 powered by a 3-litre Essex engine but production models used a 2.8 Cologne engine. Launched in March 1980, the GTC was well received by press and public alike but, with Britain heading into recession, Reliant struggled to find enough buyers at £11,360 (equivalent to £40,000 today) and just 422 were made before Reliant went bust in 1986. A very rare sight today, the GTC is the most desirable of the Scimitar models.

This 1983 GTC has spent its whole life on Jersey and has covered only 12,700 miles from new with six services in the book, the last earlier this year only 500 miles ago. Finished in cream with a matching velour interior, it has the desirable manual gearbox and rides on its original Wolfrace alloys.

Although it has no current MOT or tax, it is said to run and drive well and is being offered here at no reserve.

Please note that as this car is still Jersey registered it will need to be re-registered if it is to stay in the UK for more than six months using the NOVA system (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals).